Think about a fish so resilient it will possibly survive with out water. A fish so hardy it thrives the place most fish can’t. A fish that smashes your topwater lure with aggression, making you are feeling such as you’re fishing for the very first time. We’re speaking concerning the Snakehead—a freshwater sport fish some anglers say places Largemouth Bass to disgrace! Sounds loopy, proper? Crazier nonetheless, Snakehead fishing shouldn’t even exist in American waters.
Learn how to Determine Snakehead
There are 21 species in the Snakehead household (Channidae), divided into two genera: Channa and Parachanna. The previous originate in Asia, whereas the smaller, latter group is native to Africa. The range present in America’s mid-Atlantic area is the Northern Snakehead, native to Russia, China, and the Koreas. In the meantime, a second species—Bullseye Snakehead—is extra frequent in Florida.
These Snakeheads doubtless made their means into US lakes and rivers when somebody emptied their dwelling aquarium into a neighborhood waterway. The primary pair of Snakeheads was noticed in a Maryland pond in 2002. Since then, the species has unfold to 14 states, all the way in which all the way down to Florida, west to California, and whilst far afield as Hawaii.
Regardless of being removed from their pure habitat, Snakeheads are a thriving, invasive species. They’re so dangerous to native ecosystems that state governments are desperate to eliminate them!
The consequence? Anglers get to take pleasure in intense sportfishing with out worrying about strict rules. Most states don’t have any dimension or bag limits for Snakehead, and encourage anglers to eliminate any they catch. You’re allowed to maintain these fish as desk fare however possessing or transporting reside Snakehead is against the law.
Earlier than participating on this free-for-all, be sure to can distinguish Snakehead from comparable native species like Bowfin and Burbot. Key figuring out options embody:
- Head form. Snakehead have flat heads with their eyes positioned on high—just like a snake.
- Anal fins. The underside (anal) fin stretches about midway alongside a Snakehead’s physique, whereas Bowfin have a shorter, rounded anal fin. Burbot even have lengthy anal fins, nonetheless.
- Markings. Bowfin usually have a black spot close to their tail, whereas Snakehead and Burbot don’t. Usually, Snakehead have a snake-like pores and skin sample and are darker in shade.
- Barbels. Burbot have a single barbel (like a whisker) on their chins, whereas the opposite species don’t.
Several types of Snakehead develop to numerous sizes. Northern Snakehead within the US generally attain 5–10 kilos, with the most important exceeding 20.
Typically known as “Frankenfish,” these so-called freaks of nature breathe by way of their pores and skin, permitting them to outlive out of water for days. Their tendency to wriggle by way of extraordinarily shallow water has even sparked the rumor that they’ll stroll on land.
Strolling or in any other case, “Snakes” really flip sportfishing on its head!
Greatest Snakehead Fishing Spots
Fascinated by catching a Snakehead however not able to jet world wide? Fortunately, loads can be found proper right here in your yard. Snakehead fishing is most typical on the East Coast, with probably the most established populations within the mid-Atlantic states.
Florida
They are saying Florida is dwelling to America’s greatest Snakehead fishing. Given the native local weather and heat, swampy waters, it’s straightforward to see why. Pompano Seaside is a high spot, with loads extra inside a 30-minute radius. These embody Margate, Coral Springs, Markham Park, Hillsboro Canal, Dawn, Tamarac, and Coconut Creek.
There aren’t any dimension or bag limits for Snakehead in Florida. Nevertheless, you must eat or eliminate your catch fairly than releasing it. Additionally, you’ll want to report any Snakehead you catch to the US Fish and Wildlife Service or nearest sport company as quickly as attainable. Bear in mind, it’s a federal misdemeanor to own reside Snakehead, and violators face a $500 high-quality or 60 days in jail.
Maryland
If Florida doesn’t tickle your fancy, you may as nicely head to the place all of it started: Maryland. The primary Snakehead had been noticed right here within the Previous Line State and fishing for them continues to be good sport. High waterways embody the Potomac River, the Susquehanna River, and the Blackwater Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
As somewhere else, the Snakehead chew right here actually picks up in spring and summer time. Night time fishing is frequent, with bowfishing as a well-liked method throughout this time of the day. In fact, you possibly can nonetheless fish for Snakehead utilizing standard gear and through daytime. And that goes for any time of the yr!
There aren’t any dimension or possession limits for Snakehead in Maryland. When you intend to maintain one, kill the fish instantly. In any other case, launch it instantly.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania shares some waters with Maryland, together with the Blackwater, Susquehanna, and Potomac Rivers. Anglers additionally advocate just about any part of the Delaware River for “Snake” fishing. Moreover, you’ll discover these fish all through the Chesapeake Bay watershed, together with the Rappahannock, Nanticoke, and Wicomico Rivers.
A few lesser-known Snakehead fishing holes embody Meadow Lake in Philadelphia’s FDR Park and Darby Creek within the John Heinz Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. Pennsylvania encourages anglers to kill any Snakehead they catch and report it to the state Fish and Boat Fee.
New Jersey
As soon as Snakehead entered the Delaware River, there was no strategy to preserve them from invading its tributaries and close by lakes. That is what number of waters in New Jersey grew to become Snake honey holes, similar to Newton Lake, Stewart Lake, Harrisonville Lake, Crystal Lake, and numerous native creeks. The Delaware and Raritan Canal additionally holds Snakehead, as do many DoD Ponds.
When you plan on fishing for Snakehead in New Jersey, keep in mind that you should kill your catch. You also needs to submit the specimen to the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries personnel for verification. Releasing reside Snakehead again into any NJ waters is prohibited.
Delaware
Final however not least, Snakehead are additionally plentiful in Delaware. Key rivers embody the Delaware, Brandywine, Leipsic, Nanticoke, Marshyhope, and Choptank, together with their tributaries. Loads of nonetheless waters maintain these fish, too, similar to Becks Pond, Noxontown Pond, Garrisons Lake, and extra.
Snakehead fishing in Delaware is open year-round, with none dimension or bag limits. Once more, fairly than releasing your catch, you must kill the fish and report it to Delaware’s Fish and Wildlife Division.
Learn how to Fish for Snakehead
Most often, you’ll discover Snakehead in stagnant, extraordinarily shallow water—generally lower than a foot deep. These fish don’t have any downside wriggling alongside the shoreline with their backs totally uncovered above the water floor.
Search for them in areas with mud bottoms and thick vegetation, ideally warmed by the afternoon solar. Mainly, the shallowest, swampiest spot yow will discover doubtless holds Snakes.
In situations like this, they stalk and smash topwater lures. The best way they feed is actually snake-like as they comply with their prey for 10 toes or extra earlier than hanging. And, as soon as hooked, they thrash round wildly, making for an adrenaline-pumping expertise.
Apart from standard gear, you can even goal Snakehead by fly fishing. Simply bear in mind they’re onerous on sort out, so go for heavy gear.
Since rules emphasize eradicating this species, bowfishing and gigging (usually referred to as “spearfishing” on this case) are standard, particularly at night time.
Snakehead Fishing Gear
It’s frequent to fish for Snakehead utilizing the identical baitcasting gear as for Largemouth Bass, if not a bit heavier. A stout, 7′ medium-to-heavy motion rod with a stiff tip ought to do exactly high-quality. A flimsy rod won’t maintain as much as their vigorous head-shaking! Use a 40–50 lb braided line, as you’ll usually be fishing in heavy cowl.
Fly anglers ought to use a 9′, 7–8 wt rod. Spool your reel with floating line and add a 15–30 lb take a look at fluorocarbon chief a number of toes lengthy. Snakehead aren’t leader-shy, so there’s no want for an extended chief.
Bowfishermen can depend on a recurve bow and bowfishing-rated braided line. Fiberglass arrows with barbed or pronged heads are preferrred, with a really helpful draw weight of 35 kilos. Purpose for the thick, middle of the physique so the fish doesn’t slip free from the arrow as you reel it in.
Snakehead Baits
Snakehead will take each lures and reside bait, relying on the season. Skilled Snake anglers will inform you that bait works greatest in cooler climate or following a chilly snap. Fish reside bait utilizing a bobber, normally 1–3 toes beneath the floor. Simply notice that the colder the climate, the decrease you must droop your bait.
Snakehead are opportunistic feeders, gulping down minnows, small fish, crayfish, bugs, and frogs—and even attacking small rodents and unsuspecting birds.
Snakehead Lures
Summer time is peak season for Snakehead, and lures are particularly efficient. Topwater lures are the weapon of selection, since these fish feed on the floor. All-time favourite lures embody:
- Topwater frogs
- Poppers
- Chatterbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Buzzbaits
- Stroll-the-dog lures
In the meantime, fly fishermen have their very own arsenal, together with dry flies and articulated streamers. Water situations and private choice play a big half, however just a few flies to contemplate embody topwater mouse and frog lures, clouser minnows, zonkers, and different streamers such because the Zoo Cougar, the Dahlberg Diver, the Whitlock Waker, and the Finesse Sport Changer.
When to Fish for Snakehead
It’s attainable to fish for Snakehead any time of yr, however you possibly can anticipate probably the most motion when the climate is heat. They feed actively on the hottest instances of day, so attempt to fish for them within the afternoon between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Snakehead spawn in spring and early summer time, which is usually one of the best season to focus on them attributable to how aggressive they’re. Use lures all through summer time, then go for reside bait as soon as the climate cools down.
Snakehead: A Story with No Finish
There are few sport fish pretty much as good as Snakehead that you may take pleasure in catching with wild abandon. Regardless of the way in which they ended up in US waters and their impression on native ecosystems, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Loads of “Snakebit” anglers have come to like these fish, to the purpose that some consider they’ve earned their place on our continent and are value preserving!
Whether or not you’re for or towards them, there’s no denying it: Snakehead fishing is right here to remain. So get hooked!
Are you an avid Snakehead angler? Possibly you’re heading out for the primary time? Share your ideas and questions beneath. We love listening to from you!
